Evolution and determinants of ecosystem services: insights from South China karst

A comprehensive analysis of the South China Karst (SCK) reveals significant improvements in ecosystem services (ES) from 1982 to 2018, driven by re-greening and rewilding efforts. Key ES metrics such as soil conservation (+8.12%), net primary productivity (+21.14%), and carbon storage (+0.86%) showed marked increases, while water yield (-13.23%) declined due to large-scale afforestation. Urban development further degraded habitat quality (-0.50%) and biodiversity (-1.91%). The study highlights that karst regions exhibit lower ES maintenance capacity compared to non-karst areas, with population distribution posing the greatest threat in karst landscapes and farming being a primary concern in non-karst regions. Improved vegetation coverage and increased precipitation positively influenced plant-carbon sequestration and water yield, respectively. Biodiversity was identified as a critical factor in sustaining ES. The research underscores the potential of nature-based solutions combined with targeted management strategies to mitigate ecosystem degradation and promote sustainable development.

Zhang, S., Xiong, K., Qin, Y., Min, X., & Xiao, J. (2021). Evolution and determinants of ecosystem services: insights from South China karst. Ecological Indicators, 133, 108437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2021.108437